Retro Reviews

The massive success of George Lucas’s Star Wars in 1977, coupled with the growing popularity of TSR’s Dungeons and Dragons role-playing systems (basic and advanced) gave rise to a new era of filmmaking in Hollywood: Sword and Sorcery! I’m not saying Sword and Sorcery films were invented in the 1980s. …

“And now, he’s back…” After terrorizing poor Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis: Terror Train 1980 – our retro review) at Hillcrest Academy in 1998’s Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (our retro review), Michael Myers (Brad Loree: The Day of the Living Dead 2014) came back for more stabs in the franchise’s …

Joseph Sargent’s Jaws; The Revenge turns 35 this summer. Released on July 17, 1987, this film came out it what was inarguably one of the most epic summers for film in recorded history. The summer of 1987 was unique in that it had some of the most epic films regarded …

If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, you do not have to be introduced to this teen vampire horror. If you need to be introduced, then I’m surprised, but mainly envious that you can now rush out and experience it for the first time. I don’t believe many …

The concept of a merciless, genetically enhanced super soldier that can be controlled by another is a very dangerous one. If it works, you’re a genius. If it doesn’t… well, that’s where Roland Emmerich’s Universal Soldier comes in. Back when it released on July 7, 1992, we were witness to …

Our Vin Syn discussion today includes a double release of drive-in delicacies from Crown International: Larry N. Stouffer’s Horror High/Twisted Brain (1973) and William Grefé’s Stanley (1972). Both films include victimized protagonists, murderous pets, and revenge and are celebrating their first Blu-ray release. From the Vinegar Syndrome Horror High/Stanley page …

In 1968, the world of horror was changed forever as George Romero brought “the living dead” into the public conscience for the first time on a mainstream basis. Twenty years later, Romero’s friend and filmmaking teammate, Bill Hinzman, brought the same concept back from the grave for another feeding frenzy …

Released on May 1, 1987, Michael Gornick’s Creepshow 2 just happens to turn 35 this month. That’s some respectable company to be in. The summer of 1987 was epic for movie releases. I can’t even begin to do it full justice. Let me just mention a few: The Lost Boys, …

Jeff Goldblum might currently be a TV commercial staple as he promotes Apartments.com, but two and a half decades ago, his iconic character of Dr. Ian Malcolm was asked to put his stamp on something slightly more terrifying—a theme park of genetically engineered dinosaurs. In the original Jurassic Park, a …

Even after forty years, Mad Max 2 (aka The Road Warrior) still has the ability to astound and thrill. Making its stateside debut on May 21, 1982, George Miller’s (Mad Max 1979 – our retro review) post-apocalyptic actioner made an international megastar out of twenty-six year-old Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon franchise) and …